Blue Ridge Health-Highlands Cashiers (BRH-HC) launched a new telehealth program this month at Blue Ridge School and Early College thanks to a grant from the Fullerton Foundation providing the medical technology, and to ongoing financial support for BRH-HC from the Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation.
The partnership between the local school and clinic provides telehealth services to students and staff. During visits with the school nurse, students with a signed permission form from a parent or guardian can receive quicker access to care by connecting to a board-certified physician at BRH-HC.
BRSEC School Nurse Danielle checks a patient’s, which is transmitted to BRH Dr. Ann Davis.
“Blue Ridge Health has been providing school-based telehealth services in other counties and wanted to extend these services to Blue Ridge School and Early College,” says Tammy Greenwell, Chief Operations Officer at Blue Ridge Health.
Utilizing telehealth technology, the provider can listen to the heart and lungs; visualize ears, nose, and throat; order flu, strep, or COVID tests; and prescribe medication as needed. This can allow students to receive quicker access to the care they need through a rapid diagnosis of medical conditions, which in turn can support a faster recovery.
Participating providers Ann Davis, M.D., and Kristy Fincher, M.D., along with BRSEC school nurse Danielle Rice, R.N., received on the device training in February, and paperwork has been sent to school families allowing them the option to participate in the program.
BRSEC School Nurse Danielle Rice chats with Dr. Ann Davis about a patient’s chart.
“I am thrilled to get the chance to work with kids in Jackson County in a school-based health setting,” said Dr. Davis. “It’s an invaluable resource for the parents, kids, and teachers at the school, and a great chance for us to get to reach out to the community.”
Rice said she is both excited and thankful.
“We at Blue Ridge School and Blue Ridge Early College are thrilled to have this telehealth unit to increase access to care for our staff and students,” said Rice. “We are incredibly appreciative to Blue Ridge Health and the Fullerton Foundation for funding the machine, as well as to the Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation for bringing more opportunities for healthcare to our area.”
For more information, visit click HERE or call 828.692.4289.
Article courtesy of Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation